Theoretical investigation on the legibility of urban public space in shaping city image: dataran / padang" in Malaysia's historic towns"

Abstract

The public space known as "dataran or padang" was one of the most notable features of British Colonial towns, This research attempts to prove that the "dataran or padang" can be a strong element in shaping the image of the cities. Historical cities of Kuala Lumpur and Malacca are chosen as the sites for the case study for their similar characters, uniqueness and importance. The aim and objectives of this research are to study and examine the characteristics of urban public spaces in historical cities in Malaysia and to find ttscontribution in shaping the image of the cities. The deductive study and literature form the hypothesis of this research that is, the legibility of urban public spaces in shaping the image of cities does not stand on tts own, but is due to the strong character of the surrounding elements. This mixed-methodology research combines literature review, case study, and cognitive methods. It applies qualitative approach in collecting and interpreting the data, and quantitative approach in the analysis. The data collection for this research is divided into three methods namely Literature Review, Case Study and Interpretation Survey on Image. The findings conclude that all the elements remembered and memorized are the distinctive associated qualities ofthe image of a place which then forms the image of the city.